Preparing for Your Visit

In order to properly prepare for your upcoming visit, please click on the exam/procedure below you are scheduled to undergo. Here you can learn more about what the procedure entails as well as what you can expect before, during and after.

MRI Services

How should I prepare for my test?
When you go for your appointment, consider wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants or other clothing that does not have zippers or metal fasteners, since these interfere with MRI scans. Also, please plan to arrive and check in with the receptionist 15 minutes before your appointment is scheduled.

RDI has two MRI systems. Although both systems are designed for patient comfort, any scan can cause some anxiety, so be sure to let your physician and RDI know if you think you may be claustrophobic. The physician may want to prescribe a sedative, and the exam will likely be scheduled on the MRI system with the wider patient opening. You will have the option of listening to a tape or CD during the exam, so feel free to bring a favorite recording along, or make your selection from a variety available at RDI.

X-Ray

How should I prepare?

No preparation is needed. You only need to bring your referral/prescription.

Please inform the technologist if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

Be sure to take all prescribed medications as scheduled.

Pediatric X-Ray

X-rays are painless and commonly used procedures. They do not require any special preparation. During the exam, your child will need to remain still as the technologist adjusts the image recording plate against the area to be tested. Wearing a lead apron to limit radiation exposure, your child’s x-ray will be taken once the technologist activates the x-ray machine.

Please also see our X-Ray page for additional information on the procedure.

Osteoporosis Screening (DEXA)

How should I prepare for the exam?

Please do not take any calcium supplements the day of the exam. For the exam, you will not need to remove any clothing, but we do suggest wearing comfortable clothing and avoiding any items containing metal.

Ultrasound

How should I prepare for my test?

You will need to bring your prescription. You may be asked not to urinate for a few hours prior to the procedure for certain exams.

Medications can be taken 1 hour before morning or afternoon appointment.

Pelvic or Obstetrical

How should I prepare for the exam?

Drink 32oz of fluid starting 2 hours before study, to be completed 1 hour before the appointment.

Do not empty your bladder.

Abdomen (such as, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, aorta and spleen)

How should I prepare for the exam?

Nothing by mouth after midnight the evening prior to study except prescribed medication.

Renal Ultrasound

How should I prepare for the exam?

Drink 12oz. of fluid 1 hour before you appointment. Do not empty your bladder.

Renal Doppler/Abdominal Doppler (60 minutes)

How should I prepare for the exam?

Morning appointment: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight. Drink 12oz. of water 1 hour before study.

Afternoon appointment: Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours before study. Drink 12oz. of water 1 hour before study. You may empty your bladder when needed.

Transrectal/Prostate with Biopsy

How should I prepare for the exam?

Please call for instructions

Fluoroscopic Imaging

Barium Enema

How should I prepare for my exam?

Before your barium enema, you must consume a diet of only clear liquid for 24 hours preceding your appointment. This includes fruit juices (no pulp), soda, tea or coffee (without cream), broth, popsicles, Italian ices, hard candy, and JELL-O. You should try to consume an 8 oz. glass of water every hour for 10 hours the day before your appointment as well.

You must also:

Take Citrate of Magnesia (10 oz.) 24 hours prior to the exam

Take 3 tablets (5 mg each) of Dulcolax the evening prior to the exam after dinner

Fleet enemas two hours before the exam (1 pint to 1 quart) until returns are clear

Do not eat or drink the morning of the exam

Do not smoke or chew gum the morning of the exam

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

How should I prepare for the exam?

Before your IVP:

Take 3 tablets (5 mg. each) of Dulcolax, OR 10 OZ. OF Citrate of Magnesia, the night before the exam.

Do not eat or drink anything after 10:00 pm the night before the exam.

Upper GI

How should I prepare for the exam?

0-10yrs – Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to exam.

11yrs-adult – Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.

Small Bowel Series

How should I prepare for the exam?

Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.

Barium Swallow

How should I prepare for the exam?

No preparation.

VCUG

How should I prepare for the exam?

Nothing to eat or drink 1 hour prior to exam if possible.

Cystography

How should I prepare for the exam?

No preparation.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT)

What do I need to do to prepare for EVLT?

To prepare for EVLT, patients must not shave their legs or apply moisturizer the day of treatment. However, it is important to wash the leg with antibacterial soap the morning of the procedure.

"I have suffered with unsightly veins and pain in both legs for years, I had EVLT treatment on my right leg and I am very pleased with the results. My leg doesn't ache after standing on it all day and looks so much better. I was not uncomfortable during the procedure at all and plan on having my left leg done."